Disclaimer: X-men are Marvels. We are using them without permission and are not making a penny. Please don't sue. Heather, Jason, and John are ours. If you wish to use them, send us ideas, or archive our stuff e-mail us at: xmenfan@hotmail.com

"Why are the guys getting so upset that Heather has a date?"

"I knew you were dense but not that dense."

"Heather can take care of herself."

"Yeah but those people care about her."

"Exactly! He knows how the male mind works."

"Men's minds are simple. We want women, women, women."

"Unless their gay."

"Which I am definitely not."

"Can we just get to the story."

"I'll show you how not gay I am."

"Later."

-Once is enough

-Moody Blues

By Beth and Adam

Professor Charles Xavier sat patiently at his desk. His study was dimly lit. The only light was the lamp on the desk that managed to reflect off his bald head. His hoover chair shifted silently as he turned to face the door.

"You wanted to see me?" Heather asked.

"Yes, I need a favor."

"Alright. What can I do for you."

"We have a new student. I don't believe you've met him. His name is Jason Hawk. I want you to work with him in the danger room. You work well without your powers and his aren't of much use at present."

"What are his powers?"

"He can conduct solar energy. In other words he takes energy from the sun and can transfer it to another source. Hence his code name Apollo."

"When do you want us to train?"

"Tomorrow around noon."

**********

"I thought you understood her delicate position!" Jedi stated.

"This will be good for her. She works fine on the team and the team has lots of guys." Xavier answered calmly. Jedi had heard about the danger room session and had come to try and reason with him.

"That's different. First of all she knows all of them by now not to mention that it's supervised."

"You speak of her as if she was three years old. She's a grown woman perfectly capable of controlling herself."

"I want to sit in the booth. Just to keep an eye on things."

"John, I'll be perfectly honest I would like to see her act more like a team player. I'll simplify this. I want to see how she does without you or her brother. I want to see how she handles things. She's healed a lot since she arrived and I want to see just how much. However if you wish to sit up in the booth that's your choice."

**********

Jason was standing in the booth of the danger room watching Heather work out. She was doing a simple program. It was only a few humans which she could easily take down.

The door hadn't been locked and when he saw her he couldn't resist watching. She was as graceful as a gazelle. As agile as a cat. More beautiful than anything he'd ever seen.

Her short brown hair was pulled back in a pony tail. Her uniform was simple yet something obviously expressive. Her uniform covered her as well as Rogue's did. It was midnight black with a tight black belt that had the X sign on it. It was the only color she wore. Her feet were covered by black combat boots. Xavier had disapproved of the color coordination but she quickly assured him there was a reason for it. It was a great cover in the night or darkness.

Apollo glanced briefly down at his uniform. Cyclops had insisted he wear one of the old blue and gold uniforms. It looked awful on him although it made him look more muscular than he actually was. If he had created his own costume it would have been colorful. Possibly pastel colors.

"You ready to join her?" Xavier asked.

"Ready and willing."

"Go on down."

**********

"You must be Apollo." Heather stated simply.

"Call me whatever you like my lady." He said taking her hand and kissing it.

"Your charms won't work on me. I'll still beat the crap outta ya."

"Then I'll be forced to enjoy it." He smirked.

"Xavier would you start the program?" Heather called up.

**********

The program was simple. Xavier thought it in the best interest of all concerned for them to fight sentinels as opposed to each other. The game had gone on now for half an hour. Jason had almost been hit twice as he paused to glance at his companions beautiful figure. This had not gone unnoticed by John who was now not a happy person.

A sentinel was aiming at Heather as was another to her side. If she waited til the last second she could side step both. Apollo knew she was skilled however he didn't wish to see even a hair on her head singed. He ran into her pushing her to the floor as the sentinel barely missed him.

She was face up under him. He looked directly into her eyes. He had eyes that were so expressive you could see his soul through them. His heart was pounding fast against hers. Not just from adrenalin. Both of them were covered in sweat. Her breath quickened as she felt something she had not felt for a long time. Desire.

**********

In the booth Xavier had ended the program. He figured this new game would be much more interesting.

"I better get down there unless you want to see him neutered the hard way."

"I'll unlock the door if there's trouble." Xavier promised.

**********

Back on the floor.

Apollo hadn't moved. She was responding as he'd hoped. Her breath continued to come faster and faster. Her heart was pounding against his. Her eyes looking intently into his. Her body pressing against his. Trying to get closer to his body.

"This is really a cozy little tete de tete but get off." Heather said making no move to push him off.

"Have dinner with me tomorrow night."

"Why not tonight?"

"Jean's cooking."

"Who's cooking tumor?"

"Rogue."

"Understood. Sure I'll go to dinner with you."

"And afterwards?"

"We'll have to see about that."

Jason stood up and helped her up. Her eyes wouldn't leave his. He moved his eyes to where her lips were. Desperate for her hungry kiss. He pulled her body closer to his and met her in a passionate, longing kiss. There lips pulled apart.

"Tomorrow night." Jason whispered.

The door unlocked. Jason exited smiling like a man who knew the worlds greatest secret. Heather followed closely behind but was stopped at the door by John.

"You okay Heather?"

"I think I'm falling in love."

"Did you hit your head on the floor?"

"I have a date for tomorrow night."

"This is new. You've changed your policy from hate men to love men."

"Oh yeah."

**********

"Hey Psylocke I need to go shopping could you round up the other girls?" Heather asked

"Yeah. What are you going to be doing."

"Getting Jedi's credit card."

"I'll organize everything. Meet at five o'clock."

**********

"Where do I have the word stupid written on my head?" Jedi asked.

"Well whose credit card am I going to borrow?"

"Try your brother."

"Rogue has his. All the girls have their boyfriends cards."

"You sound so pathetic when you whine. I remind you ,last I looked I wasn't exactly boyfriend status."

"Apollo and I aren't official yet. Just this once. Please."

"I know I'm gonna regret this." Jedi said handing her his master card knowing he would never see it again.

**********

"Credit cards everyone?" Jean asked.

"Yes." The women replied in unison.

"Time for all the men in the mansion to go broke." Psylocke said.

The women piled into Jean's car since she was the only trustworthy driver other than Psylocke. Of course the fact that Storm and Rogue had been given driving tips by Gambit hadn't helped.

"I think we're all curious what the purpose of this shopping trip is." Jean said starting the car.

"Actually I have a date. I need something to wear. I don't have a single outfit that would be right for such an occasion."

"Who do you have a date with? Is it Jedi? I thought you were just friends."

"Just friends don't spend that much time behind locked doors." Psylocke stated.

"Actually I'm going out with the new guy Apollo. He is so cute."

"He has a really nice butt." Rogue observed.

"Yes he does." Heather agreed.

"How'd you meet him?"

"We were working out in the danger room and he fell on me. I don't know what it was but something about him just .....wow...you know."

"Your body was saying you haven't been with a man for way to long. It's a mad driving passion." Psylocke explained.

"You do realize a woman can go without a man quite happily all her life." Storm said.

"Right, miss weather witch goes crazy if Forge is gone for two days. She thinks she can go her whole life. That would be quite a sight."

"Rogue is a perfect example." Storm pointed out.

"Like she had a choice. That reminds me. Now that powers are under control we all want to know how the worlds greatest charmer is in bed. With as much as he talks I bet he was quite the disappointment."

"Actually, we haven't gone that far yet. He wants to take things slow."

"He's probly impotent."

"I guarantee you he isn't." Rogue said with a wicked smile.

"Wonder why he's holding back if he wants you that bad." Psylocke pressed.

"He says it's for me. He wants to act like real lovers and go slow. We do almost anything but."

"I'm sure he's being real truthful."

**********

The girls arrived at a large shopping mall. They headed to the nearest clothing store.

"What do ya'll think of this?" Rogue asked. She was trying on a red sweater that was just slightly to big.

"Goes great with your hair." Jean replied

Psylocke exited the fitting room to model a purple silk dress that was very tight.

"Looks nice. If they have it in tan no one will notice your wearing anything." Storm informed her.

"Warren will like it." Rogue said.

Nightengale came out wearing a black velvet dress that showed her curves perfectly. It was short and showed a good bit of cleavage. Most girls would be uncomfortable showing so much but Heather was used to it.

"I would have thought of you as one to wear something more covering."

"Seductive is the look I want and my normal attire is anything but."

"She has good taste in men. Both Apollo and Jedi have nice bodies and really nice butts. Don't you think Heather?"

"Oui magnifique derriere." Heather laughed.

"English." Jean asked.

"Yes he has a nice butt."Rogue translated.

"Your picking up plenty from my brother."

"More than you think." Psylocke chuckled.

"Purposefully changing the subject do you think I should get something more modest? It is a first date."

"Show him what he has to look forward to. That always works unless you plan doing him your first date." Psylocke said.

"So speaks the mistress of the art." Storm stated.

**********

Back at the mansion the guys were in the sitting room talking nervously as the clock chimed the hour. Cannonball entered the room.

"What's up?"

"The women are shopping."

"So?" Cannonball asked.

"Wit our credit cards." Gambit explained.

"How much can they spend? They'll probly buy one or two outfits and come home." Cannonball said. Wolverine had to restrain the rest of the men while Sam made his get away. Ignorance can be fatal.

**********

The girls were now buying out Bath and Body works.

"I love this musk. I don't mind the stuff Remy wears but I really wish he'd wear something new now and then."

"Buy him a bottle. Men are dense but most can take that kind of hint." Jean suggested.

"Personally I like all musk." Heather stated.

"Do you know where that stuff comes from?" Storm asked.

"I don't want ta know."

"Should I get raspberry lotion and peach perfume or just lemon perfume for my date?"

"Get both. Wear the mixture. After all it's Jedi's money."

**********

Back at the mansion the men were pacing the floor and consuming large amounts of beer. They still weren't drunk enough to forgive themselves. Scott alone had consumed two six packs.

**********

Psylocke had decided to drag the girls to Victoria Secret with the excuse that Heather might need something there at a future date.

"Jean you really should consider getting something to heat up Scott's life."

"You heat up Warrens anymore and we'll have to rebuild the mansion again."

"That might be beneficial. We could request our own showers. There are just some things you can't do when a dozen other people are whining at you to hurry up."

"That hasn't stopped you and Warren yet."

"Those really don't look comfortable." Rogue observed as her eyes drifted over the room.

"You don't have them on long enough to care."

"Since you love to talk so much how about telling us how Warren has been recently. Scale of 1-10."

"Eight."

"Explain."

**********

Back at the mansion those who could still stand carried those who couldn't up to their rooms.

**********

The girls had shopped until the mall closed at ten. Unloading the car had been no easy task. There had barely been room for everyone to sit and everyone had held almost half their stuff on their laps since the trunk was slightly smaller than Jean had remembered.

**********

After Heather had dumped her stuff in her room she went to find Jedi.

"I'm here to return your credit card."

"Miracle of miracles I got it back. Now for the painful part, how much did you spend."

"I'd better write it down." She said handing him a piece of paper.

"Please say this is a long distance phone number."

"Nope."

"Is there a decimal?" John asked hopefully.

"Only at the end."

Suddenly from all around the mansion male voices were heard screaming "How Much!?!?!?!?"

"I didn't spend near as much as the others either."

"I'm going to sit down and have another beer. Tell me about your shopping experience and conversation."

"First of all you don't need any more to drink. As far as shopping went we had fun. We spent most our time discussing your butt and everyone's love life. Psylocke and Warren have used positions I've never even tried. I suddenly feel incredibly sheltered. As for Jean I feel so sorry for her. I had more fun when I was working the streets. Of course Storm tries not to say much but obviously we all underestimated Forge. Rogue and Gambit haven't actually had sex yet but wow are they having fun. Of course Psylocke spent most the time giving advice I really have to try......."

I really need a beer John thought. He made a mental note not to ask about the female's discussions ,especially during shopping.

**********

The following evening Apollo was standing by the stairs waiting for Heather. All the girls were helping her prepare and so he figured he'd be waiting for quite a while. Wolverine, Gambit, and Jedi walked towards him. Jedi leaned against the wall off to the side.

"If that girl is harmed in any way I'll cut off everything on your body that comes in pairs." Wolverine said and after a moment left the room. He knew Heather could take care of herself. He just needed the practice. After all Jubilee would soon start going out.

"My little sister is still young and innocent. She will remain so otherwise this card,"

he said lighting an ace of spades "Will be shove so far up your derriere that your head will explode." Gambit dropped the card directly between Apollo's legs. Apollo gulped as Gambit moved across the room to the door way blocking Apollo's exit.

"I wouldn't worry much about them." Jedi said coming towards him. Apollo looked relieved thinking he had an ally. His eyes widened as Jedi mentally lifted him off the ground. "All they can do is kill you. I wouldn't kill you but you'd pray to God and the devil that I had." John sat him down on the ground and gave him a hard look.

Heather appeared at the top of the stairway. She was wearing the black velvet dress she had bought the day before. Her hair was i n a French twist. She was wearing make-up that brought out her eyes. Her lipstick was a deep red and it took all of Jason's self control not to kiss her right there and then.

"John pick your jaw up off the floor. What? You didn't think I could look this good. Gambit, you surprised your sister has breasts?" Heather laughed at the men's expression. "Come on Jason. I promise I'll behave John. Don't wait up."

After the door closed John turned to Gambit.

"Know any good bars?"

"Yeah."

"Are they close."

"Yeah."

"Do you need to get drunk as bad as I do?"

"Yep."

**********

Once Jason was able to think clearly again he led her to his blue ford truck. He opened the door for her. He was still amazed at how pretty she was. He was staring but Heather just smiled. It had been forever since a man had looked at her that way.

"So where are we going?"

"That's my surprise"

**********

Jedi and Gambit ordered yet another drink. They could still stand therefore proving they were not near drunk enough. They they'd been sitting at Harry's for quite a while now . Gambit was slightly more drunk then Jedi mostly because seeing Heather looking like that had sobered him up more than ever before."

**********

Heather and Jason were in a romantic restaurant. Candles were lit. Slow music played.

"Your friend Jedi is very protective." Jason stated.

"He always has been. Ever since I was fourteen."

"Your brother is the same way."

"Yes he is. I hear he got Logan into the act as well."

"Your really lucky. However I would like to be friends with them so they object less to my presence. After all I have no intention of leaving your side any time soon."

"How do you know? We just met."

"Us Englishmen know a thing or two about love at first sight."

"I don't believe in love at first sight."

"I will do whatever I must for you to love me."

"That's a promise you may find hard to keep."

**********

John stood up to throw darts. He stumbled as he threw the first which missed the target by at least a foot. The second dart hit a fat man who had passed out on the ground below the board. The man opened his rage filled eyes.

"Run mon amie." Gambit shouted as the man started to get up. With a speed beatable only by quicksilver they raced to the car.

"Start it!"

"I don't know where I put the key!"

"You what?!"

"Lost the keys! Are you deaf man?.

"Well, hot wire it."

"Good idea." Gambit began tinkering with some wires. As the fat man was about to leap onto the car when the engine started and they sped off.

"Do you see two roads?"

"Three. Never mind that. Keep going"

**********

Jason paused before opening the door to give Heather a passionate kiss good night. As much as she didn't want to fall in love with him she realized at that moment it was inevitable.

Upon entering the house they practically tripped over two very drunk men who were attempting to remain standing. They tried not to look drunk but they were failing miserably.

"How was your date?" John asked.

"I'll tell you as I help you up the stairs and get something for your hangover."

"Need my help Heather."

"Yeah, would ya drag my brother upstairs and give him some aspirin."

"Heather."

"What?"

"I love you," Jason whispered

THE END